Every wise old grandmother has said this, “Prevention is better than cure.” With UTIs, this is especially true because of how uncomfortable such infections are and the embarrassment associated with them. While there is no need for such feelings, people turn a little pink when talking about peeing. Here are some simple ways to prevent UTIs or urinary tract infections.

1. Drink a lot of water
This tip is an obvious one. When you think about kidney and bladder health, keeping yourself hydrated is obvious. That it will make you pee more often is how bacteria get flushed out of the urinary tract. Try to stick to just drinking water, a minimum of eight glasses a day. But you can also increase fluid intake with sparkling water, milk, smoothies, decaffeinated teas, coconut water, and fresh fruit juice. Remember to avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they can irritate the bladder.

2. Eat cranberries
Cranberries are a well-known home remedy for preventing UTIs. Chemicals like proanthocyanidins are present in this berry. They prevent E.Coli bacteria from sticking to the tissues of the urinary tract. Vitamin C in cranberries increases the acidity in the urine, making it a bad environment for bacteria. Most research indicates a negative correlation between cranberry intake and the frequency of UTIs. You can try fresh or frozen cranberries and pure cranberry juice too.

3. Mind the undergarmments
Everyone, especially women, should remember to change their underwear regularly. Parents should ensure their children have clean, dry underwear on and provide a change after intense sweating. Adults too should invest in breathable underwear, preferably in natural fabrics. Synthetic underwear tends to trap moisture making your undies a perfect breeding ground for infections.

4. Healthy sexual practices
Apart from preventing STDs and STIs, protection during sex also prevents the transmission of UTIs. Flavored condoms and fragrances cause bacterial growth. Also, spermicidal lubricants trigger vaginal inflammation, so it is good to consider different methods of contraception. It is also essential to pee both before and after sex and wash up thoroughly as well. A clean genital area makes it less convenient for bacteria to travel up the urethra.

5. Healthy urinary practices
Peeing as often as you need to and not holding your pee can go a long way in reducing UTIs. Holding on to urine creates an environment that is perfect for bacterial growth. Empty your bladder fully and use the restroom at least once in three hours. Women must also remember to wipe front to back after peeing. This habit reduces the risk of E.coli traveling from the anus to the urethra. If you have diarrhea, be extra careful as it increases the chances of E.coli spreading to the urinary tract.

6. Supplements
Taking probiotics promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut and the urinary tract. Lactobacilli strains present in fermented foods, probiotics supplements, and suppositories are associated with a lower incidence of UTIs. If you get these infections frequently, consult a physician to get an antibiotic prescription to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections.